Tamale: Centre for Research and Development Alternatives (CREDA), a non-governmental organization, has urged for increased civic engagement involving persons living with disabilities (PwDs) to promote inclusive and sustainable national development. Mr. Abukari Iddrisu, Programmes Manager at CREDA, highlighted the ongoing exclusion of PwDs from vital decision-making processes, which he believes undermines their fundamental human rights and impacts the nation’s broader development goals.

According to Ghana News Agency, Mr. Iddrisu expressed these concerns during a stakeholders’ dialogue in Tamale. He pointed out that limited access to social services and public resources, alongside insufficient mobilization of PwDs, particularly among the youth, continues to impede efforts towards inclusivity. The dialogue, funded by STAR Ghana Foundation, was part of the Voice for Access Project (VAP) under phase II of the Action for Voice and Inclusive Development (AVID) programme. It aimed to introduce phase II of the VAP-AVID project to key stakeholders, seek their support, and bolster collaboration for effective implementation.

Participants at the event were drawn from eight Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs) in the Northern Region, including Tamale, Gushegu, Savelugu, Yendi, Kumbungu, Karaga, Nanumba South, and Saboba. They included social welfare directors, chairpersons of social services subcommittees, and representatives from various organizations such as the Ghana Federation of Disability Organizations (GFD), Northern Regional Secretariat of the National Youth Authority (NYA), Northern Regional Youth Network, and young persons living with disabilities (YPwDs).

The event provided a platform for participants to share experiences and insights aimed at improving the livelihoods of YPwDs. It also sought to facilitate the inclusion of YPwDs’ representatives in district social services subcommittees, promote understanding of the VAP-AVID phase II project, and encourage active participation and joint ownership.

Mr. Amankona Ampofo, Northern Regional Director of NYA, praised CREDA and its partners for their efforts in supporting government initiatives to assist PwDs and promote sustainable development. He noted that Ghana’s Ten-Year National Youth Policy aligns well with the needs of PwDs, outlining key areas where they can enhance their livelihoods and contribute to national development.

Mrs. Shahadu Antamatu, Chairperson for Social Services, Nanumba South District, stressed the need for increased funding for PwD-focused interventions to expand employment and entrepreneurial opportunities. She emphasized that many PwDs are forced to beg due to a lack of skills and support, and that a little assistance could empower them to become self-reliant.

Alhaji Musah Abdul-Majeed, Social Welfare Officer at Tamale Metropolitan Assembly, raised concerns about delays in the disbursement of funds for PwDs and called for more timely support to alleviate their burdens.

Participants at the dialogue agreed to incorporate the needs and aspirations of YPwDs into the 2026-2029 Medium Term Development Plans of the MMDAs, ensuring that their challenges receive adequate attention from stakeholders and duty-bearers.